Time to sign on the dotted line!

Before battling for the gold at Great American Bash, Lola Vice and Kendal Grey will sign the contract for their NXT Women’s Championship!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• WWE Evolve Championship: Aaron Rourke VS Tristan Angels; Rourke wins and retains the title.
• Hank ‘n’ Tank VS Uriah Connors & Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo w/ BirthRight; Hank ‘n’ Tank win.
• Keanu Carver VS EK Prosper; EK wins.
• WWE Women’s Speed Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Izzi Dame VS Arianna Grace; Arianna wins and will challenge for the title.
• The Culling w/ Izzi Dame VS Sean Legacy & Dorian Van Dux; Legacy & DVD win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Tony D’Angelo finds Robert Stone backstage.

The NXT Champion asks the NXT General Manager about where Naraku is, and if he’s signed the contract. Stone confirms that Naraku has not yet signed the contract, but that’s alright, because they’re scheduled for a double contract signing tonight. But Tony has to promise to stay in line. What does Stone mean by that? Stone says that Sunday is their first PLE live on CW, and he needs everything to run smoothly so NXT looks its best. Tony says he wants this match, so he needs the contract signed and sealed by the end of the night, does Stone understand that? Stone does, and it will happen, just trust him.

Aaron Rourke walks by and Tony waves him over. Tony says he’s been hearing a lot of good things about Rourke, busting his ass on Evolve and representing the title well. Tony wishes Rourke luck. Rourke says thanks, and from one champion to another, right back at him. Rourke heads out, and Stone reminds Tony: No messing around tonight. Tony just leaves without another word, but will he keep his word to let Naraku do his part? Or will there be an opening salvo before the war on Sunday?

WWE Evolve Championship: Aaron Rourke VS Tristan Angels!

Speaking of the man putting in the work on Evolve, The Dime Piece really, really wants to shut Mr. England up after he was such a sore loser in the Mr. NXT Pageant. But will Rourke lose this title before getting to defend it at tomorrow night’s Succession special? Or will he make Tristan a fallen Angels?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if plans change this close to the Bash!

The bell rings and the two tie up. Tristan powers Rourke to a corner, they go around, and then Tristan puts Rourke in another corner. The ref reprimands, especially as Tristan gets up on the corner just to smother Rourke. Tristan backs off as the ref starts a count, but he says, “Mr. NXT can do what he wants!” Rourke SLAPS Tristan! Tristan shoves, Rourke SLAPS, and then Rourke dodges to headlock. Tristan powers up and out, but Rourke RUNS him over! They keep moving, Tristan hurdles, but Rourke headlocks. Tristan pries at the hold but Rourke holds on. Tristan stomps Rourke’s foot, then clamps on a cravat.

Tristan powers Rourke between the ropes and grinds Rourke’s face into them! The ref reprimands, so Tristan brings Rourke around to another side, just to do the same thing! Tristan then CLUBS Rourke’s neck, UPPERCUTS him to a corner, and RAMS into him! Tristan whips corner to corner, but Rourke goes up and over, handsprings and SHOTGUNS! The fans fire up for Rourke ash e runs up, DOUBLE KNEES, then goes side to side for a BOOT! Rourke snapmares Tristan, goes up, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Tristan scrambles away but Rourke storms up. Tristan TACKLES Rourke, rains down fists and stomps him down!

The fans boo but Tristan HIP DROPS Rourke’s arm, and ROCKS him int he back! Tristan clamps on with shoulder claws! The fans rally for Rourke, but then SHILOH HILL is here? Well, lights flash and we hear his laugh, and Tristan is rather spooked. He lets Rourke go and Rourke gets away to the ropes. No Shiloh so Tristan refocuses, only for Rourke to DUMP him out! The fans rally as Rourke eggs Tristan on. Tristan returns, Rourke dodges, and he LARIATS Tristan up and out! Rourke goes to the apron, but Tristan YANKS him down! The fans boo as Tristan shows off the stolen Mr. NXT sash, and NXT goes picture in picture.

Rourke writhes but Tristan storms over to bring him up. Tristan puts Rourke in the ring, then scoops, only for Rourke to cradle counter! TWO, and Rourke wrenches Tristan to a JAWBREAKER then NECKBREAKER! Tristan scrambles away but Rourke storms over. Tristan YANKS Rourke into buckles! Tristan KICKS away on the bad arm, then WRINGS Rourke into the buckles! Tristan doesn’t stop, he HIP DROPS the bad arm again! Then wrenches for an ARM BREAKER! Rourke writhes more but Tristan drags him back up for a whip to ropes. Rourke manages to roll Tristan up, with a bridge, TWO! Tristan ducks the enzigiri!

Tristan grabs the bad arm, just to SLAM it on the mat! He then dribbles Rourke’s face off the mat, too! Cover, TWO! Tristan is annoyed but he drags Rourke back up. Tristan HOTSHOTS the arm off ropes! Then he LARIATS Rourke down! Cover, TWO! Rourke shakes out the bad arm, but Tristan drags him up. Tristan whips Rourke hard into buckles, and Rourke falls back. Tristan stomps Rourke, CLUBS him down, then SLAMS the arm off the mat. Tristan paces around Rourke, then CLUBS him down. Tristan POSTS Rourke, then brings him around to POST again! Rourke dangles out of the ring, but Tristan drags him back in.

Tristan grabs the bad arm for a TOP WRISTLOCK! Rourke endures, even as Tristan thrashes him around! NXT returns to single picture as the fans rally up, and Tristan pulls on the arm. The fans rally, Rourke fights up, and Rourke fires body shots. Tristan CLUBS Rourke, RAMS the shoulder, but Rourke JABS! Tristan WRINGS the arm, but Rourke handstands! Only for Tristan to KICK the arms out! Tristan then RAMS Rourke into the buckles, climbs up the corner, but Rourke YANKS Tristan down! Tristan staggers, but he manages to BOOT Rourke in return! Tristan back suplexes, but Rourke lands out! Rourke shoves Tristan and LARIATS him down!

Rourke ELBOWS Tristan, LEG LARIATS, then eggs Tristan on. Tristan runs up, Rourke dodges and scoops Tristan, and then FALL AWAY SLAMS! The fans fire up as Rourke kips up! Rourke roars, runs up, and UPPERCUTS! Rourke whips Tristan corner to corner, runs in, but Tristan BOOTS him away! Tristan goes up, Rourke handsprings, but Rourke stops the Stratusphere! Tristan runs up, but into a BACKDROP! Rourke goes up, FLYING CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Tristan survives but the fans rally behind Rourke. Rourke runs, but Tristan dodges the kick! Tristan runs up, stops the boot, but not the FLYING CHUCK!

Rourke goes up, has to worry about the sash on the corner, and Tristan ENZIGIRIS Rourke down! The fans boo but Tristan puts Rourke in the ring. Tristan picks up the sash, but someone else is holding onto it!! Someone drags Tristan under the ring! Tristan scrambles free somehow, but he is freaked out! He steps into the SPARKLE KICK! Rourke goes up, up, and MOLLY-GO-ROUND!! Cover, Rourke wins!

Winner: Aaron Rourke, by pinfall (still WWE Evolve Champion)

#ClockIt! Rourke’s first NXT match is his first NXT win! But will he be able to win like this again tomorrow night at Succession? Or will Max Abrams and his #MainManEnergy start to take over Evolve? As for Tristan and Shiloh, was there some #ToothlessAggression under the ring? Will Angels have to have eyes on the back of his head knowing Shiloh is out there?

Robert Stone walks and talks with Tony D’Angelo now.

We caught on camera that Naraku had arrived, and now Tony is looking for him. Stone asks what Tony is gonna do. He should calm down already! Tony finds Naraku and asks if he’s signed the contract or not. Naraku thanks “Tony-san” for his patience. And he tells Stone to relax, he’ll hand the contract over himself. Naraku indeed hands the contract over to Tony, and says, “And new…!” Tony says “new” my ass! Stone has Tony back down, Naraku says everyone can just calm down. But then Tony opens the folder and POOF! FIRE PAPER!! Stone is furious but Naraku lets out an evil laugh! Did the King of Darkness just blind the champion?

NXT returns and…

An ambulance has been called to help Tony D. They have a towel covering his face while he’s helped into the back. Stone says a doctor will be waiting for Tony at the hospital, and Tony vows to kill Naraku for this! The ambulance heads out, and Stone isn’t sure what to make of all this.

Saquon Shugars is in the ring.

The fans cheer on “SAQUON~!” but he isn’t alone for long as Dion Lennox makes his entrance. Dion goes to the ring, and Saquon mockingly looks for Cutler James & Osiris Griffin, who he personally sidelined the last few weeks. Dion grabs a mic and asks why they’re even out here. Saquon wants to talk? Or does he just wanna do him like he did Cutty and Big O? They both know Saquon doesn’t come straight on with his scary ass, so no matter what he says, Dion has already decided how the Great American Bash is gonna go. Saquon says whoa, whoa, Dion, ain’t nobody here gonna box with him right now. Saquon just wants to say he’s gotten exactly what he wanted: him and Dion, 1v1.

The fans cheer, and Saquon says hey, 35 days ago, they sent him flying and crashing through that table. He felt his spine shoot up his nose, bruh! And he remembered that he can’t be caught lacking again. But he don’t move scared, he moves smart. That’s why he took those liars out first. Saquon doesn’t gotta act on anger, he just had to make sure it was him and the head of the snake in this ring at GAB! But Saquon can’t fake it, he heard what they all said, they said why they did what they did, why they cut him loose, and to be honest… Damn, is he the issue? Did he really do something wrong? Did he let them done?

Nah, man, Dion’s the one who got to moving weird. He was the one acting like a leader when they didn’t need that. The whole time, what NXT needed was for Saquon to be put in the positions that Dion was given! The fans applaud that! So what, Saquon is “just an indie wrestler?” Yeah, maybe, because that is what he is, a WRESTLER. This is what he does! Dion’s just another pretender trying to take a spot! Dion says now Saquon is lying. Saquon calls Dion the leader? Well let’s call it like it is! You can put Saquon and Dion next to each other, and which one screams, “Superstar?” It ain’t Saquon!

Dion was put in the high profile positions not cuz he was lucky, no. Cutler & Osiris know it, too. DarkState was never supposed to have Saquon in it. They brought Saquon in, they got what they needed, and on Sunday, they move on and leave Saquon in the past. Fool, there ain’t no DarkState without Saquon Shugars, man! The fans cheer that, too! Saquon says he’s getting hot right now. He loved y’all boys, man! Like real talk, he loved y’all. And they knew that! More importantly, they knew he was the glue holding it all together. Cutler James can’t put one foot in front of the other without Saquon telling him where to go! Osiris Griffin can’t wipe his ass without Saquon holding his hand!

This crew would’ve been lost without Saquon! And fool, Dion thinking ahead if he compares to Saquon in any way! You can’t lace up his boots, his wrist tape would burn your hands, and if you tried on his jockstrap, it’d be a baggy fit! Dion laughs that off but Saquon says you can’t touch him! At the Bash, he’ll prove to the world why Saquon’s up next and Dion’s up never, and that it don’t get any sweeter than Shugars! Dion laughs again and says ever since they dropped Saquon, all he’s heard is how Saquon’s gonna show how great Saquon is. He the coolest, he different, he up next. But do y’all know that everything you love about Saquon is fake?!

Dion says Saquon is putting on a facade. Don’t forget, they know you! The insecurities, the overthinking, the worrying over all the wrong things. These people never saw it cuz DarkState showed the world what they wanted everyone to see. The world didn’t know that DarkState could never count on Saquon. That when it was moments before go time, Saquon would disappear, making them wonder if he’d be there for them or not. The fans didn’t know Saquon needed Dion for reassurance because Saquon’s the one who couldn’t do anything on his own without second guessing. Saquon was a distraction that DarkState spent more time babysitting than chasing their goals!

Dion says dropping Saquon was no mistake, it was a correction. And what? NOW Saquon is ready to set the whole world on fire, ain’t he?! Ain’t nothing gonna change, bruh. Saquon is still his own worst enemy. He’s still the self-conscious goofy he’s always been! At the Bash, there comes a moment when Saquon hesitates, and that is where Dion exposes him. Saquon’s name is already signed on the dotted line of his death warrant! And on Sunday, Dion stamps it! Dion gives a mic drop, is he about to bury Saquon with the past? Or can Saquon dig deep and overcome one more traitor?

Matt Mathews talks with Hank ‘n’ Tank backstage.

The star comedian has no idea how they got him back here. After that crazy pageant, and now fireballs being thrown in faces, he’s back on NXT, wearing a Hank ‘n’ Tank jersey with his belly hanging out. Hank says Matt looks fantastic, even though this isn’t what he signed up for. But he’ll get used to it! And after they get that win tonight, they’ll enjoy tailgate time on Sunday for the Great American Bash! But first, remember: Three BirthRight on the outside, only one Matt Mathews. Let’s go! Matt follows the Belly Bandits out, but we see in the background that Vanity Project is arguing with Robert Stone. Would their argument have anything to do with their tag team championships?

NXT hears from Myles Borne and Tavion Heights.

The NXT North American Champion says, “I fear comfort. I spent my whole life being uncomfortable. I knew with the NQCC, I was becoming comfortable. I was becoming just another guy in a group with no direction, no purpose. I didn’t want that. I knew what I was capable of, and I didn’t wanna wait. Everyone says to bet on yourself, and I did just that. Tavion, he is my brother, but sometimes I feel like he wishes that I didn’t bet on myself, and that instead, I just stayed with him.” The Olympian says, “I’ve never been afraid to be myself. And for a long time, that rubbed people the wrong way. So I walked alone.

“But when I came to the NQCC, when I started tagging with Myles, I’d found a brother for life. And don’t get me wrong, Myles didn’t outgrow our friendship, he just forgot about it. And yeah, he went on to have success like we all knew he would. Now he gets a little bit of attention and he wants to act like he built this all on his own? Like we ain’t talked about reaching the top of NXT together? Myles became champion and I got pushed aside. What exactly makes Myles better than me? I was there before everything, and what’d it get me? I will not be forgotten!

“At the Great American Bash, I’m gonna be selfish. I’m not thinking about the NQCC, I’m not thinking about Myles, I’m thinking about proving I am exactly who I say I am when I leave the Great American Bash as the NEW North American Champion.” Myles tells Tavion, at GAB, he is walking in as Tavion’s former partner, but he’s walking out with proof that he made the right choice when he is still NXT North American Champion.

Wren Sinclair and Tavion Heights finish watching the video.

Wren knows Tavion doesn’t want to hear this, but sometimes, the best way to preserve a friendship is to take yourself out for a bit. Tavion says easy for Wren to say! She’s got a title, Myles has a title, Charlie has BirthRight. What does Tavion have? Nothing. Tavion storms off as Wren says maybe a chip on his shoulder…? Kendal Grey checks in and she has a big question: Who wins tonight? Izzi or Arianna? Well, that’s a toss-up. On one hand, you have a mean cult leader who looks like she skins Muppets for fun. And on the other hand, you have a spoiled brat with a pack of idiots and that traitor, Charles! Kendal says yeah, forgot about that.

Wren says it doesn’t really matter, she’s just happy to be cleared to compete. Kendal is so happy for her! Now, picture this: They both walk out of The Great American Bash as champions! And what’s the best way to celebrate two titles? They both say, “A two layered cake!” Kendal has to go see Stone for the contract signing, she’ll catch up later. Wren says okay, and she’ll think on those flavors. Wren is ready for cake, but is she getting ahead of herself? Who will win the right to challenge her for the Women’s Speed Championship?

Hank ‘n’ Tank w/ Matt Mathews VS Uriah Connors & Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo w/ BirthRight!

While all tag teams want at the tag titles, this is also about checking the growing egos of the second generation superstars. Will it be HONK HONK for Hank ‘n’ Tank? Or will a shot at Vanity Project be Uriah’s & Stacks’ birthright?

The teams sort out and Tank starts against Uriah. The fans rally up as the two tie up, and Tank waistlocks. Uriah wrenches free, but Tank HEADBUTTS the arm! Tank wrenches to wristlock, but Uriah pulls hair! Uriah waistlocks, Tank wiggles and swivels, then he switches to SLAM! The fans cheer while Tank holds on. Uriah fights up, bucks free, but Tank arm-drags! And arm-drags! Tank wrenches, tags in Hank, and Hank goes up to slap the belly before he AX HANDLES the arm! The fans cheer, and Hank wrenches, but Uriah kicks low! Uriah UPPERCUTS, tags Stacks, but Hank arm-drags Stacks down! The fans cheer while Hank wrenches Stacks.

Stacks goes to the ropes, the ref counts, and Hank lets go at 4. But Stacks throat chops! Then he sucker punches Tank! The fans boo but Uriah swipes at Hank. That distracts Hank so Stacks can attack! The fans boo but the ref sees Stacks stomp a mudhole. The ref reprimands, Stacks tags Uriah, and Uriah CHOPS Hank! Tag to Stacks, he CHOPS Hank! Not quite as sharp but Stacks just soaks up the heat. Stacks stands Hank up but Hank CHOPS! And CHOPS! And then atomic THROWS Stacks into ropes! Stacks rebounds into the LARIAT! The fans fire up as Hank tags Tank! Uriah runs in, but gets a kitchen sink knee! Then a whip and BOOT!

The fans fire up for Hank ‘n’ Tank, they scoop Stacks to DOUBLE SLAM! Tank covers, TWO! Stacks survives but Tank brings him around. Tank headlocks, Uriah tags in as Stacks powers out, but Uriah hangs back as Stacks drops down. Tank turns the hurdle into an atomic drop! Then Tank LARIATS Stacks up and out! Uriah runs up but Tank is ready, atomic drop! Uriah tumbles out, Stacks gets all over Matt Mathews but Matt shrugs him off. Tank goes out and ROCKS Stacks! But Uriah DIVES onto Tank! Lexis King gets mad at Matt while Uriah puts Tank in the ring. Matt says he didn’t start nothing. But then Hank ‘n’ Tank DIVE onto all of BirthRight!

The fans fire up as the Belly Bandits show off the beef, and NXT goes to break.

NXT returns as Hank fights off Stacks & Uriah in a corner. Hank ELBOWS Uriah, ROCKS Stacks, then fires more shots on Stacks. Hank ELBOWS Uriah again, but Stacks SPLASHES Hank! Tag to Uriah, then Stacks suplexes into the POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Hank survives the “Falcon Bomb” and the fans fire up! Tag back to Stacks and he slaps Hank around. Hank CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! The fans fire up but Stacks keeps Hank from Tank! Stacks whips Hank back to the corner, but Hank BLASTS Uriah for it! Hank then dodges Stacks, hot tag to Tank! The fans fire up as Tank LARIATS and ELBOWS away on BirthRight!

Tank cartwheels to dodge, then he dodges again, to go up, up, and CROSSBODY! Down go Stacks & Uriah and the fans fire up for Tank! Tank dodges Stacks, scoops him, and gives him SNAKE EYES! Tank then LARIATS Stacks up and out! Uriah runs up from the apron, but Tank blocks the cheap shot to wrench and DECK Uriah! Tank then goes up, out, and from the apron, CANNONBALL! The fans fire up with Tank as he marches through! The rest of BirthRight moves aside, and Tank goes right to his corner to tag Hank! The Belly Bandits get Uriah in a DOUBLE GOTCH LIFT FACEBUSTER! Cover, Stacks breaks it!

Tank goes after Stacks but Stacks TOSSES Tank out! Hank TOSSES Stacks! But Uriah rolls Hank up! TWO, and Uriah dodges Hank! Tag to Stacks before the O’Conner Roll is denied, and Uriah dodges again! PRIMA NOCTA! Then a MACHO ELBOW from Stacks! Cover, but Tank breaks it! All four men are down but “This is Awesome!” Matt coaches up the Belly Bandits as they and BirthRight meet at center. They start throwing heavy shots back and forth, faster and faster! Hank shoves Stacks, blocks Uriah’s kick, then hands it to Stacks. Stacks sends it back but Hank ducks, only for Tank to take it! Hank ROCKS Stacks, but Uriah SUPERKICKS Hank!

Tank TOSSES Uriah, but Uriah GAMANGIRIS in return! Uriah THRUSTS into a KNEE! Stacks fireman’s carries Tank for a swinging KNEE SMASH! Stacks gets moving, springboards, but into Hank’s arms! Hank makes it a wheelbarrow for the BUBBA BOMB! But Uriah is up top now, and he SWANTON BOMBS! The fans are thunderous as all four men are down again! Lexis starts trouble with Matt again, but Matt snatches his walking stick away! So Lexis snatches Matt! Arianna laughs as Charlie winds up, but Matt ducks! Charlie’s haymaker DECKS Lexis! Who’s laughing now?! And then Matt trips Charlie into the King’s crown jewels!

Arianna isn’t sure what to make of this but Matt sure thinks it’s funny. And in the ring, Uriah & Stacks get that HONK HONK! BIG BELLY SANDWICH!! Hank scoops Stacks for the GRIDIRON!! Cover, Hank ‘n’ Tank win!

Winners: Hank ‘n’ Tank, by pinfall

It seems numbers don’t mean much! It was quality over quantity, and Matt gets to celebrate with his new Big Belly Buddies. But will Walker & Ledger soon head for a tag title opportunity?

Backstage interview with Shiloh Hill.

Sarah Schreiber is with Shiloh and brings up that last time he was here, he was crowned Mr. NXT… before Tristan attacked him. And then earlier tonight, there was some rather strange interference during Tristan’s match. Is it safe to say that Shiloh and Tristan are even now? Not even close! Honestly, Shiloh was more excited for that Mr. NXT Pageant than he has been for any match in his entire career. He actually had to open up and be honest about himself, and right as he showed that to the world, Tristan took advantage. So no, they are not even. Far from it.

Shiloh tells Tristan he better have enjoyed all that pageantry. Because now that Shiloh’s cleared, in both body and mind, things are about to get a whole lot worse for Tristan. That taste of inflicting punishment on Tristan is addictive, and Shiloh is craving it! So on Sunday, at the Great American Bash, Shiloh makes Tristan regret what he did, and he will show everyone why no one sleeps on Shiloh Hill! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Tristan has brought out something truly sinister within Shiloh, will we all see what #ToothlessAggression is truly capable of?

NXT is with Tony D at First Response Memorial Hospital.

Tony is obviously angry about this, but the staff is doing their best to make him comfortable as they treat his injury. The extent of the damage is not yet known, will Tony even be able to make it to the Great American Bash?

Robert Stone sits down with Lola Vice and Kendal Grey.

He knows this was meant to be a double contract signing, but with Tony VS Naraku now in question, he needs to make sure the other main event match is happening. Kendal apologizes to Lola, last Tuesday was an accident. Lola says no, that was just Kendal getting her lick back. No, Kendal is trying to redeem herself from New York. Lola says again with New York! Kendal’s redemption story will not be at Lola’s expense. She still has a long way to go. Lola came here and humbled herself. She came in with all the hype in the world, started from scratch, and fought her way to earn this championship.

Yeah, Lola coming here was a big deal. When Kendal saw Lola do it, Kendal thought she could, too. And now that they’re both here, they’re two of the biggest crossover athletes WWE has. Lola says yeah, and she doesn’t take that for granted. But this is the first time there are two female crossover fighters at the top of NXT. Shayna Baszler was dominant, no one could figure out her style. But that’s the thing: Lola has Kendal figured out. Kendal crumbles under pressure, and on Sunday, Lola will show everyone why she’s number one and Kendal’s just number two. Kendal says Lola is a superstar. Breakout Tournament Winner, Queen of the Underground, and now NXT Women’s Champion.

When Kendal came to WWE, she was an undefeated amateur wrestler. But when the lights are the brightest, one thing is for sure: She fails. But that won’t be the case at GAB. Kendal wants to be at the top of this division, to lead it, so she needs to win. We’ve seen what it has done for everyone else who has held that title. They’ve all raised the bar, but Kendal plans on raising it even higher. Lola is number one, for now, until Sunday. Everyone is waiting to see what Kendal Grey does with the Women’s Championship, and they find out at the Great American Bash. Kendal signs her part, and hands it over to Stone.

Lola tells Kendal that the inspiration she feels, the desire to change the guard, Lola did that for Kendal. Kendal isn’t doing anything Lola hasn’t already done. Kendal is the future, and will have her time. People will continue to talk about Kendal, and her matches will further Women’s Wrestling and keep this division the best division in the world. Lola knows what it means to win this title. Kendal will have her success, but not while Lola is champion. And at the GAB, Lola will answer all questions. She will beat Kendal, retain her title, and Kendal will learn what it is to humble herself and put her head down the same as Lola did.

And at some point, Kendal Grey will push this division further. But it will be when Lola is done, and she’s not done yet. See you at the Bash. Lola signs her part, and it is official. Stone thanks both women for their time, but whose time will it be this Sunday?

Keanu Carver VS EK Prosper!

The One Man Demolition Crew is hungry for competition and opportunities, so he wants the main course, not appetizers. At least, that’s how he sees the Disrespectfully Athletic. Will Keanu show EK that he’s the one biting off more than he can chew? Or will EK prosper here tonight?

The bell rings and the two circle. The fans rally for EK as he ties up with Keanu. Keanu scoops and SLAMS EK! Keanu talks trash, scoops again, but EK slips free. EK dodges Keanu, handsprings away, but then Keanu RUNS him over! Keanu says this is what he was talking about, and he TOSSES EK across the way! EK ends up in a corner, Keanu stomps a mudhole in, but he stops as the ref counts. Keanu whips EK corner to corner, runs up, but EK goes up, out, and RAMS low! EK slingshots up and over, somersaults, then dodges to DROPKICK! Keanu stays up so EK DROPKICKS again! Keanu goes to the corner, EK runs up, but Keanu puts him on the apron.

EK ROCKS Keanu, springboards, and he MISSILE DORPKICKS Keanu is down, but hurries to the ropes. EK kips up, the fans fire up, and EK fires off on Keanu in the corner! EK whips, but Keanu blocks! EK still tries, but Keanu reels EK into a fireman’s carry! And then a MILITARY PRESS SLAM! EK flounders, Keanu tells him to get up, and Keanu whips to ROCK EK in the back! Keanu talks more trash, whips EK again, and ROCKS him with another forearm to the back! The fans rally but Keanu stalks EK. Keanu drags EK up, whips again, but EK ELBOWS back! EK fires more hands, but Keanu ducks to back suplex! EK lands out to BOOT Keanu!

EK BOOTS again, then ducks ‘n’ dodges, QUEBRADA! The fans fire up while Keanu bails out. EK builds speed and DIVES into a forearm! Keanu looms over EK but the ref hurries to check him, and NXT goes picture in picture.

Keanu drags EK up, fireman’s carries, and APRON SNAKE EYES! EK falls right back down, but Keanu drags him right back up. Keanu whips EK hard into the apron, then whips him into the apron again! And again! Keanu shove EK into the ring, then drags him up. Keanu whips EK hard into a corner, then scoops for the BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! EK toughs it out but Keanu drags him right back up. Keanu put EK on the ropes, CHOKES him, but the ref counts. Keanu stops at 4, then YANKS EK back! Keanu drags EK up, scoops and BACKBREAKERS! EK writhes while Keanu looms over him. Keanu pie faces EK, but EK fires body shots in return!

Keanu CLUBS EK, hauls him up, and hits a BROKEN ARROW! EK writhes again but Keanu doesn’t let up. Keanu brings EK up and around, scoops again, and BACK- NO, EK CRADLE COUNTER! TWO!! EK leaps, SATELLITE DDT! Keanu flounders, and he’s already rising back up! EK hurries to run up gain, but Keanu scoops for a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! EK survives, but Keanu clamps on with a COBRA CLUTCH! EK endures as Keanu puts on the pressure, and he fights up to his feet. Keanu hits a BACKBREAKER from that position, and he bends EK back! EK still endures, still fights up, and he fires body shots!

Keanu KNEES low as NXT returns to single picture, and he back suplexes, only for EK to land out! EK ducks ‘n’ dodges to CROSSBODY, but Keanu catches him again! Scoop SLAM! Keanu stalks EK, waistlocks, and GERMAN SUPLEXES! High-angle doesn’t even cover it, EK goes flying! Keanu storms up on EK, LARIATS him in a corner, and SMACKS him off the mat. Keanu talks trash on EK that he’s got nothing, but EK SLAPS Keanu! EK then bobs ‘n’ weaves, fires off fast hands, and the fans fire up! Keanu shoves EK, but EK SUPERKICKS! And ENZIGIRIS! And SHINING WIZARDS! Keanu stands, EK runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and FLAPJACK DROPKICKS!

The fans fire up as Keanu bails out! EK hurries to the apron, TOP ROPE ASAI MOONSAULT! The fans fire up as EK puts Keanu in the corner! EK goes up, up, and leaps, but Keanu gets under! Then he LARIATS EK inside-out! Cover, TWO?!? EK survives and Keanu is shocked! The fans fire up for EK, but Keanu hauls EK up. But EK STEP PUNCHES! Keanu DECKS EK for it! Keanu runs up, EK dodges, and EK blocks a boot to DROPKICK! EK then goes up, up, and FLYING WIZARD!! Cover, TWO!! Keanu survives and the fans fire up! EK is feeling it, and he hurries back up the corner. EK aims for the MOONSAULT, but he ahs to roll through as Keanu moves!

EK comes back, Keanu denies the DDT, and he POUNCES!! Keanu drags EK back up, lifts, but EK sunset flips through! EK WINS!!!

Winner: EK Prosper, by pinfall

Even EK is shocked he pulled it off! But then Keanu CLOBBERS EK! Keanu is pissed now! Keanu TOSSES EK out, brings him to the desk, and the fans boo as Keanu reels EK in! Keanu POWERBOMBS EK through the desk!! The refs rush out here, as do producers and security, and they tell Keanu to stop there! Keanu is seething, but he still lost the match for taking EK too lightly. Will Keanu learn that he’s the reason he’s not getting opportunities?

Zaria speaks.

“Tatum Paxley. A year ago, we were both standing in other people’s shadows, watching them fight for this very championship. And now look at us. We broke free. We stood on our own, and we got to call ourselves champion. It just so happens, that my reign began at the expense of yours. But of course, in Tatum Paxley fashion, you couldn’t let things go. You, like everyone else, can’t let me enjoy my success. Last week, you had to cost me my tag match, and embarrass me in my first match as champion! Tatum, I don’t think you get attached to people or objects; you are addicted to pain. So I’m gonna take a page out of your own book.

“I’m going to give you your rematch at the Great American Bash, so I can beat you again. And then, you can revel in that pain forever.” The Agent of Change has spoken, but will she keep the status quo? Or will Tatum get back her precious prized possession?

Robert Stone reprimands Naraku.

He asks the #1 contender what the hell was that in the parking lot! He should suspend Naraku for that! Naraku says no, Mr. Stone, you can’t do that. Why not?! Because then, they have no NXT Championship match at the Great American Bash. HAHAHA! Naraku heads out, and crosses paths with Keanu. They give passing glares, then Stone tells Keanu that he ain’t going anywhere! Keanu needs to explain himself! Keanu says he doesn’t know who Stone thinks he’s talking to, but he already said, he is not the one. He is doing what he told Stone he was gonna do, and that’s run through everybody until he gets his title match. EK ain’t the first, and he sure ain’t the last!

Keanu storms off, Stone is beside himself, but what is going to happen if Tony D can’t make GAB?

WWE Women’s Speed Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Izzi Dame VS Arianna Grace!

As Wren Sinclair herself said, this isn’t just The It Girl VS The Pageant Queen, this is The Culling VS BirthRight. But who earns their way to the Bash in three minutes or less?

NXT returns as Arianna makes her entrance, obviously bringing BirthRight back out with her. The bell rings, the two run up, and Izzi BOOTS Arianna down! The fans are torn as Arianna flounders, but Izzi high-fives Niko Vance. Izzi runs and RAMS Arianna, then RAMS again and again! The ref counts, Izzi stops at 4, then brings Arianna up to whip and SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Arianna survives but we’re only 30 seconds in! Izzi KNEES Arianna low, KNEES her again, then again! Arianna flounders, Izzi KICKS her int he side! Izzi runs up again, but Arianna dodges! Izzi ELBOWS Arianna away, goes up the corner, and leaps, but into a BODY BLOW!

Arianna runs to SENTON! Cover, TWO! And speaking of, we’re at the two minute warning. Arianna runs to SPALSH, but Izzi rolls through a cover, TWO! Both women stand, and Arianna BOOTS Izzi! Arianna stumbles to a corner, goes up top, and BirthRight coaches her on. Arianna takes too long, though, and Izzi ROCKS her! Izzi climbs up, but Stacks steps up! Izzi DECKS Stacks for it, then ROCKET LAUNCHES Arianna! Then she runs up, but Arianna dodges the boot! Arianna returns to FLYING ELBOW Izzi down! Cover, TWO!! Izzi survives, but Arianna fireman’s carries! We’re at the one minute warning as Izzi slips free!

Izzi shoves Arianna, BOOTS her down, then roars! But Spears wants a high-five? Izzi hesitates, but says fine and gives him the high-five. Then Izzi runs up on Arianna, but runs into a cradle!! ARIANNA WINS!!

Winner: Arianna Grace, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the WWE Women’s Speed Championship)

Izzi is absolutely shocked! Arianna snatches this one away, all because Izzi lost focus! Then she glares at Spears, who is also speechless. Spears feebly apologizes, but she doesn’t wanna hear it. As for Arianna, Wren is there to meet her on the stage, and Wren holds up the title. Wren is cleared, but will she show she’s at 100%? Or will Arianna prove she has the need, the need for Speed?

Robert Stone is in his office.

Stone is on the phone with Rey Mysterio! He says he is looking forward to meeting “them,” and then he says bye. Sarah Schreiber steps in and she knows he’s had a rough night already, but she wants to know if Stone has any update on Tony D and the title match. No, wait, was that them on the phone? Stone says no, that was Rey Mysterio, AAA General Manager, and he says there will be some special guests in the form of AAA luchadores, which is exciting. But yes, Tony and the NXT Championship… Stone will announce by the end of the night who Naraku’s opponent will be.

But then in steps Vanity Project. Jackson Drake says hey, wait, they didn’t finish their chat from earlier. How does Stone expect to put on a bash and not include the Vanity Project? What even is going on? Also, if Stone happens to be looking for someone to fill in as NXT Champion… Stone keeps the belt from Drake and tells him that this isn’t a good night to do this. But he’s interested in the tag match that’s about to close the night, maybe Vanity Project should go watch it, too. Vanity Project is ushered out of the ring, but what is Stone going to do about all this?

Natalya receives another Guinness World Record.

Karmen Petrovic & Nikkita Lyons watch the video of The Lowkey Legend receiving her fifth, maybe sixth, award from the Guinness World Record committee, now honoring her for having the most submission based wins in the WWE, period! Lyons says that is why she is The BOAT. Karmen says the most submission win record is even sweeter when the most recent one was on Jaida Parker. It’s almost too easy. Oh, speaking of… Jaida walks by and Lyons mockingly asks how the soul searching is going. Not good, from the looks of it. Nattie’s right, Jaida is soft. Maybe she needs to touch grass more. Jaida frowns but Karmen asks, “What?”

Jaida stays put, and Karmen says, “Thought so.” Lyons says anyway, she saw Karmen down in AAA! Perros Del Mal did a number on El Grande Americano. They head out, and Jaida sulks. But then Bronco Nima & Lucien Price walk in. OTM asks Jaida what’s wrong. This ain’t like her. She alright? No, she’s not. Jaida heads out, and Price says she gotta go through this herself. Nima says Jaida will be alright. Is Nima good? Yeah, why? Cuz Price saw Nima with Karmen in said AAA action. Oh. Well, they’re still good. Nima just has to do what he has to do. Yeah, Price gets that. OTM daps it up, but will they and Jaida all be able to get out the mud?

Back to The Culling…

They’re still chewing Spears out for what he did! Niko says okay, let’s just lock in for the match! And speaking of, the Muscles from Brussels makes his entrance, followed by Super Sean! Will The Culling fail to overcome this newest tag team? Or can they get a win on Legacy & DVD?

The Culling w/ Izzi Dame VS Sean Legacy & Dorian Van Dux!

The teams sort out, The Chair Man starts against Legacy, and the bell rings. The fans cheer on Legacy as he circles with Spears, then they tie up. They go around, Spears waistlocks, and he SLAMS Legacy. Spears facelocks, but Legacy wrenches out and waistlocks. The fans rally again as both men stand, and Spears ELBOWS free. Spears powers Legacy to a corner and CHOPS! The fans “WOO~” while Legacy scowls. Spears CHOPS, but Legacy CHOPS back! The fans “WOO~” as the two CHOP back and forth! Legacy CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS, then whips, hurdles, then drops under the crossbody! Spears crash lands, then Legacy DOUBLE STOMPS him!

Legacy gets moving, he DROPKICKS Spears down, and the fans fire up. Legacy stands Spears up, wrenches, and wristlocks. Spears endures, reaches out, but Legacy keeps him from Niko. The fans rally, but Spears rolls, only for Legacy to wrangle him again. Spears fights up, Izzi coaches him, but DVD tags in. DVD CLUBS the arm, wrenches it, and ELBOW BREAKERS! Spears ROCKS DVD, tags Niko, and The Culling double whip. DVD KICKS Spears away, then dodges Niko, but Niko RUNS him over! Niko talks trash on DVD, then runs, but DVD hurdles! DVD runs, and he RANAS Niko! Niko tumbles, DVD runs up, but Niko BOOTS him!

Niko runs up but DVD BODY SHOTS! And BODY SHOTS! But Niko lifts DVD! DVD sunset flips it, TWO! DVD arm-drags Niko, has the armlock, and he grinds the arm. The fans rally as DVD grinds the arm. Spears coaches Niko, Niko fights up and around, but DVD grinds the arm. DVD CLUBS the arm, Niko fights around, and Niko pulls hair. DVD grinds the arm, but Niko CLAWS at DVD’s face! Legacy tags in as DVD ends up on the ropes. Niko whips, DVD reverses, and BACK SUPLEX into Legacy’s PENALTY KICK! Then STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, ONE!! But Legacy wrenches Niko’s arm to wristlock. But Niko HEADBUTTS!

Tag to Spears, The Culling mugs Legacy, and Spears snapmares for a leg drop! Izzi likes that, and Spears stalks Legacy. Spears drags Legacy up, wrenches, and back suplexes, but Legacy lands out! Legacy drop toeholds Spears into ropes! Legacy then rolls out, and flagpoles before he UP KICKS! Legacy runs in, BASEMENT FLATLINER! Niko runs up, DVD BOOTS him first! DVD & Legacy work together, but Spears saves Niko from the double suplex! Spears ROCKS DVD, Legacy CHOPS away on Spears! Spears clinches, Legacy whips free, but Spears puts Legacy on the apron. Legacy ROCKS Spears, DECKS Niko, but Spears DROPKICKS Legacy down!

The fans are torn as The Culling is in control, and NXT goes to break.

NXT returns once again, and Spears has Legacy on the top rope. Spears climbs up, but Legacy fights him off with forearms! The fans cheer as Legacy fires shot after shot after shot, then he DECKS Spears! Spears flounders, Izzi panics, but Niko hurries in! Niko takes the CROSSBODY for Spears! Spears is up, but Legacy dodges! Hot tag to DVD! Springboard DOUBLE MISSILE DROPKICK! DVD fires off on Niko, then whips, but Niko reverses. DVD goes up and over, then RANAS Niko! DVD fireman’s carries Niko for a DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! The fans fire up for DVD’s DVD, and he hurries to a corner.

DVD goes up, up, and MOONSAULTS! Cover, but Niko breaks it in time! The ref checks Spears, those knees of DVD landed hard on his ribs! Niko stands DVD up but DVD ENZIGIRIS! Spears SUPERKICKS DVD! Legacy tags in, and he springboards, but into a HEADBUTT!! Niko fires up, he reels Legacy in, and Spears is there to help with the SWINGING IMPALER!! Cover, TWO?!? Legacy survives and the fans fire up! Izzi is beside herself, Spears reaches for Niko, but Legacy anchors a leg. Spears drags Legacy up, CHOPS him, then brings Legacy around. Spears CHOPS again, but Legacy still flounders after him.

The fans rally for Legacy but Spears stands him back up. Spears CHOPS, but Legacy PELES! Both men are down, Niko runs in! legacy dodges, then TOSSES Niko! DVD goes up to ASAI MOONSAULT! Down goes Niko, and Legacy has Spears! SLICED BREAD! Legacy hurries back up, he tags DVD, then springboards for the 450 SPLASH! DVD goes up, he adds the SHOOTING STAR PRESS!! Cover, Legacy & DVD win!!

Winners: Sean Legacy & Dorian Van Dux, by pinfall

And Izzi thought she was disappointed before… While Legacy & DVD move on to celebrate, The Culling regroups. Niko helps Spears to his feet, and Izzi says yeah, that’s just how it is. And then Niko SHORT ARM LARIATS Spears!! The fans boo but Niko TOSSES Spears out! Niko goes out, he clears the desk, and he guzels Spears for a CHOKE SLAM down through the desk!! As Vic Joseph says they just got that put back together, and now it’s a mess again! Izzi & Niko have cut the weak link, but what will The Culling’s future be now that it’s down to two?

Robert Stone stands in the ring.

NXT returns as the NXT GM says he knows everyone’s question is what is going on with the NXT Championship at the Great American Bash. Well, he’ll say that this show is too big, the match will happen. But he wants to bring out the man who caused all this uncertainty. With that, Naraku makes his entrance. He grabs a mic and tells Stone that if he has no one to face him, then he will just take the championship. But then wait! Mason Rook is here! And he tells Naraku, “This is NXT! You don’t just get handed a title. And if Tony can’t fight you for it, then yeah, you guessed it, I’ll fight ya for it! Because everyone knows the match at Bash would’ve been mine.

“So, Naraku, let’s run this thing back. And this time, let’s have some gold on the line.” The fans like that, but then Vanity Project makes their entrance. The fans boo as #HeartbreakDrake tells everyone to pump the brakes. Mason, Mason, Mason, you have only been in NXT for a hot minute, and he already has the guts to ask for another shot? Drake says not to lie, Stone is pissing him off, too. The boys, Ricky Smokes & Brad Baylor, have been trying to talk with Stone all day, but he’s ducking them! For what?! Does he really not want these three high-value studs at the Bash? The Vanity Project steps to the ring, and Drake wants them to look at him.

Drake knows Stone needs someone to fight for that championship in the main event, and you are looking at a main event caliber talent right here, head to toe! And “porkchops,” if you wanna be a star- MASON BLASTS THE VANITYH PROJECT OFF THE APRON! The fans fire up for that! Mason then TOSSES Drake into the ring, and BOOTS him down! Mason LARIATS Drake back out of the ring, then goes out after him! Mason THROWS Drake into security! Drake gets up, brawls with Mason, but Naraku says there is still no one to challenge him, so just hand over the title. Stone says no, it was never Mason and it was never Jackson. It was always HIM!

TONT D IS BACK!? The fans fire up as the NXT Champion, with bloody medical bandages over the burned side of his face, storms into the ring! Tony fires hands with Naraku and the fans fire up! Tony DECKS Nakaru, then lifts him, only for Naraku to CLAW the damaged eye! Naraku runs away, but Tony holds up the title. Tony may be burned, but his anger burns hotter! Will Tony be able to fight with one good eye? Or will Darkness Fall on all of NXT?

My Thoughts:

A very good episode for NXT, especially as the go-home to Great American Bash. They added quite a bit to that event rather suddenly, too. Rourke VS Tristan was a very good match, but of course Shiloh made sure Tristan lost. Also, Tristan had to lose, Rourke needs to defend the title on Succession tomorrow night. Shiloh showing some real intensity in his promo was also great, and while his match with Tristan will be really good, not sure it needs to be on GAB. Very good promo from Zaria to call out Tatum and set up their match for the title, and that fits being on GAB because it’s a title match. Depending on the plans for Tatum going forward, Zaria probably wins.

Very good promo from Myles and Tavion to hype up their match, and a good follow-up promo from Tavion with Wren to add to it. Myles is great but Tavion’s making leaps and bounds, so hard to say who wins out. Good promo from Kendal with Wren, but it feels like they’re both getting ahead of each other in terms of having titles from GAB. Good contract signing promo from Kendal and Lola, Lola might be in the same boat as Tatum as far as what bigger plans they might have for Lola on main roster or even AAA. Also, interesting moving advertising a double contract signing and then switching it up on us, kinda clever really.

Because I did not see Naraku using flash fire paper on Tony D like that. It was maybe a bit much to act like he had a bloody, burned face, but the drama of Tony’s health being in question did help stir up other things. I feel like we’re getting Mason Rook VS Jackson Drake for next week’s NXT given they got into it tonight. And Tony being “wounded” is a good excuse for losing to Naraku on Sunday. Plus, Tony stood tall tonight, so go-home math would indicate that’s happening. Tony completed the NXT Grand Slam, which no one else has done, so he can pass the torch to Naraku, an experienced wrestler, to help lead these newer stars forward through the SummerSlam season.

Good promo from Lyons & Karmen to not only plug Nattie’s growing list of awards, but for them to verbally bully Jaida and add to her questioning herself. Also bonus points for bringing up the moves in AAA, where Price worries Nima is gonna turn Heel on NXT when he’s clearly Heel in AAA alongside Karmen, Los Garza y Daga in the newest form of Perros Del Mal. There could be drama there, but we’ll have to wait and see. Great match from Keanu VS EK, and I really didn’t see EK winning so that was a great thing for him. But at the same time, great heat on Keanu for bombing him through the desk and all that.

Great stuff from the tag division along with the stories of BirthRight and Culling. Hank ‘n’ Tank winning out with a little help from Matt Mathews was fun, maybe they can make a case for going after Swipe Right post-GAB. They also had a pretty clever way for Spears to cost Izzi in the Speed Tournament, which I honestly thought was gonna be enough for them to kick him out right there. But then, having him eat the loss to Legacy & DVD was a great “last straw” moment, and they kicked him out after all. The Culling might wanna recruit, it’s no longer a faction when it’s just two people.

And a great faceoff promo from Dion and Saquon, with some pretty strong stuff from Dion “exposing” Saquon’s insecure side. While Dion got the last word here, that has to mean Saquon gets the last laugh when he wins on Sunday. Plus, it does feel like Saquon’s about to get going as a singles guy now that he’s a Face and has the fan support.

My Score: 8.8/10